Michael

Biography

 A point and show dictionary is actually very useful when you’re in China and can’t read Chinese characters. So when I was in a restaurant in China once, I pointed to the picture of a pig’s head to indicate that I wanted to order a piece of pork. But I didn’t expect the waiter to take my request literally. He actually served me a complete cooked pig’s head. I spend a good six months of each year abroad, servicing, repairing and assembling machines across the globe. I usually travel out to the airport on Friday evening. Since I always take a tool case with me, I have to check in early and go through a special security procedure. If I’m flying to China, I get there about 24 hours later on Saturday evening, which gives me Sunday to briefly recover before I start work on Monday morning. I’ve been traveling my entire working life and can’t imagine cutting back one day.

Research Interest

  I have to say, though, that long-haul flights are grueling, being cooped up in an aircraft with very little space for several hours. I’m always happy to get back to Berlin after weeks away on long trips. On these occasions I usually take a few days off to spend some time with my partner.